The latest forecast models now show two huge South-Southwest pulses headed towards Tahiti during the upcoming week. The first builds quickly Wednesday night into Thursday, peaking Thursday evening at 12 feet at 15 seconds (200°).

After a brief dip below 10-feet on Saturday, an even bigger SSW pulse is forecast to peak on Saturday morning at 15 feet at 19 seconds (198°). Both swells have the potential to push Teahupo’o beyond the paddle limit, with Saturday’s conditions going well beyond. There will be some interesting moments between Thursday and Sunday as contest officials will be forced to decide how big is too big, a refreshing change from the lackluster surf the event has suffered in recent years.

Here are some highlights from the first day of competition, with conditions about half the size of what is forecast to come later in the week: